| Moderator of Session 1, Nicholas Rudnytzky, Director of St. Sophia Religious
Association, quoted the excerpt from Sr. Maria Kish, OSBM, former Provincial
Superior’s speech on the occasion of 75th anniversary of the Sisters of
St. Basil the Great’s arrival to the United States, in which she compared
the
Basilian Sisters to a precious diamond, a beautiful and unbreakable jewel
of the Ukrainian national spirit and spirituality. This idea was developed
by the first speaker, Very Rev. Dr. Ivan Kaszczak, former Chaplain of the
Basilian Sisters, in his speech: "Blessed is she, who believes". He focused
on the ‘perpetum mobile’ of entire Sisters’ life and mission, love. The
perfect example of such dedicated and sacrificial love can be found in
the image of
the Blessed Virgin Mary, who, regardless of unbearable pain and suffering
she endured at the Crucifixion of her Son, deeply loved God and Human.
Fr. Ivan set the historical background of Sisters' arrival to the New World
in
1911, and described challenges of their first years in the USA. The pioneer Sisters from Yavoriv (Ukraine) shared with
Most Reverend Soter Ortynsky, OSBM, first bishop of our Church in America,
many difficulties he had to deal with: animosity from the Latin hierarchy;
lack of administrative organization of the Ruthenian Greek-Catholic Church
he was the head of; financial problems; demoralization of younger generation;
great number of homeless orphans and many more. With great, sacrificial
love Sisters dedicated themselves to the service of those in need: they
worked at the Cathedral orphanage in Philadelphia, subsequently developing
a firm
foundation to the Catholic education in the area. Their contribution to
the
life of Ukrainian Catholic Church and community are yet to be discovered,
concluded Fr. Kaszczak.
In her lecture: "Through work and prayer the dream made manifest – Manor College", Anna Maksymowych introduced those present to the history of this renown educational institution, established in 1947 through the efforts of Mother Josaphata Teodorowych, OSBM. In Initially named St. Macrina College, the college, which opened with a student body of eleven young women, was chartered and incorporated into the higher education system of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1959. Manor expanded its facilities to include dormitories and a library. In 1977, the Ukrainian Heritage Studies Center (UHSC) was established to preserve, promote, and perpetuate Ukrainian culture and traditions through educational and cultural programs. In addition to a folk art collection, the UHSC maintains an extensive Ukrainian library and archives. Today, Manor has an enrollment of 900 students with access to an extensive and varied curriculum, with a two-year Associate Degree program. Through a participatory form of government, Manor encourages communication among all the constituencies of its academic community. The College is governed by a Board of Trustees, consisting of both lay and religious members. The College confers the Associate in Art and the Associate in Science degrees in the liberal arts, transfer and career-oriented programs. Certificates and Diplomas are likewise conferred in various areas of study. In light of its Basilian tradition, Manor provides students equal opportunity, without discrimination, to benefit from its educational experience. With their prayers and steadfast work, the Basilian Sisters have fulfilled their dream in America, the dream that entire Ukrainian communion should be proud of, concluded A. Maksymowych.
Following a brief break, Moderator of Session 2, Yaroslaw Zalipsky, Chair of Shevchenko Scientific Society in Philadelphia, introduced to the audience Roman Dubenko, who shared his thoughts on: "The Sisters of St. Basil the Great in the lives of youth". From his own perspective of a son of DP (Displaced Person) parents, he acknowledged profound impact the Basilian Sisters had on his upbringing, on his outlook and on his education. The discipline cultivated in the Basilian schools helped Roman Dubenko make a clear distinction between "right" and "wrong", the understanding of values which he is passing to his own children.
Alexander Lushnycky delivered his speech on a little-known topic: "Publishing – the most precious legacy of the Sisters of St. Basil the Great". He presented to the audience a collection of some 45 unique publications: books, calendars, and newspapers, thus setting the historical background of the Basilian printing service. Most Reverend Soter Ortynsky, OSBM, realized the role of publications for multifaceted development of his flock; thus, in 1912, he brings the "America" newspaper to Philadelphia and submits it under the supervision of the Basilian Sisters, following by the transfer of the Cathedral Orphanage Printing House to them in 1913. After his death in 1916, Sisters established the "Missioner" monthly, subsequently focusing on publishing school books, initially in Ukrainian, and after a while, in both English and Ukrainian, always answering the needs of the time and immigrations. The speaker emphasized an incredible role of these publications in spreading the spirit of knowledge and in preserving spirituality of the Ukrainian people.
Sr. Joann Sosler, OSBM, completed her presentation: "Women in our lives" with a slideshow that highlighted the major aspects of the Basilian life in USA, starting with the arrival of Mother Olena Langevych, OSBM and her companions to the New World in 1911. Their centennial presence on the American continent has been marked by the prayerful, life-giving and healing power which is expresses by their numerous achievements and contributions at schools, St. Basil Academy, Manor College, summer camps, evening and catechetical courses and more. Sr. Joann focused on the mission of the Order of St. Basil the Great, which is based on deep spirituality and contemplation. The pillar of monastic life has always been Lord Jesus Christ, the model of prayerful, healing, compassionate, contemplative, discerning, inviting, listening, motivating and life-giving presence, with which the Basilian Sisters have been filling the life on Ukrainian Catholic Church and community for one hundred years.
On behalf of the Sisters, Sr. Dorothy Ann Busowski, OSBM, expressed her gratitude to the organizers, speakers and guests of the Symposium. Very Rev. Daniel Troyan concluded the event with prayer, followed by the wine and cheese reception. |
